Shanti Bhavan Class of 2025: Arasu’s Reflection on his time with BAE

Reflect on your Broadway for Arts Education (BAE) teachers: What qualities do they embody that you hope to carry with you into adulthood?

Ms. Brittany is very kind and gentle, and always makes me feel comfortable and loved. I can be myself with her, especially vulnerable, and that's what makes her not only my teacher but my best friend. She is also very energetic and enthusiastic, which is very contagious. I know these qualities she possesses are important to carry into adulthood because everyone deserves love, and Ms. Brittany has taught me to give it freely.

Mr. Ben is a very patient, talented, and hardworking person I know. I’ve looked up to Mr. Ben since he impressed me with his piano skills in 2nd grade, and I am very grateful to have learnt the piano, which I will cherish for the rest of my life. It’s hard to be patient when you're good at something and teaching it to someone, but Mr. Ben has taught me to be patient, and I think it is important. Every time he plays and makes it look so easy, the only thing that comes to my mind is he worked so damn hard to get here which inspires me to work hard.

Dr. Chris is a person who believes in others more than themselves. He works so hard and will never give up. I remember the first time I joined Shanti Cleer, I felt I wasn't good enough, but he taught me to stay strong and made me realise my true potential, which I could have never figured out in a lifetime. I know Dr. Chris is always hungry for opportunities that come his way and would never let them slip away because he knows how it is to be deprived of them. I always wish that he could stay in SB forever because he is such an amazing person, and I think he has taken our choir to the next level, not just by teaching us music but teaching us to believe in ourselves.

Ms. Manu is unique and so genuine. She teaches me to stand out not just by my musical talents or skills but by being me and doing it in my style. Ms. Manu is also the best listener I know. She would just listen to all my problems in life and make me feel better, no matter how bad the situation was. She is also kind but firm, which I think is an important quality to be a good leader.

Mr. Rahul is a dedicated teacher, and he has taught me to be proud of my mistakes. I remember one class I had with him: I went and sat in front of the piano and wanted to show him that I was good. I just completely messed up and felt embarrassed. He came and sat next to me and put his (heavy)hand on my back and told me, “ Aasu, it's alright, give it one more try”. This memory is etched in me, and I always think about giving another try, not the mistake.

Why is access to arts education important for all youth?

I know access to arts education for all youths is important for so many reasons I can even think of. The various aspects it has touched in my life have molded me differently. I could rely on arts education no matter my circumstance: I feel sad, I play music; I feel happy, I play music; I feel angry, I play music, and I just can’t imagine a life without it. I feel like the arts serve as a universal connection between all of humanity, breaking all barriers ( country, culture, language, identity, everything). I know many kids my age do not have access to arts education, and I wish everyone had, but that doesn’t stop all of us youths from loving and listening to them. Connecting, sharing, and loving through music is what unites us all and helps us envision a better tomorrow, as we are the future people.

How has studying music impacted your life? Consider areas such as self-confidence, leadership, academics, or sense of community.

Studying music has a very impactful role in my life. Playing the piano in front of a crowd or singing a solo in front of a large audience(even if they are people you know) can be nerve-wrecking. But this has taught me to be confident in myself and the practice and hard work I put into the performance. I think it has taught me leadership by showing me that to be a good leader, you have to show others you are capable and lead by example. You can’t order others to do a solo if you don't show people how to do one. And this has taught me that the leader always takes the first and most courageous step. Music was key in helping me focus and relax, contributing to my academic success. I've never felt closer to family than during the choir sessions. I always think about us learning music together and jamming together, and I feel so grateful for the family I have. Choir brings us together so that everyone can be themselves and share their feelings through music, and I feel it serves as a home to all of us.

Imagine speaking to your 9th-grade self: What would you say about the role BAE has played in shaping your goals and future?

I would tell my ninth-grade self: Bro, you know what is the most important thing BAE has taught you, don't just think about being successful in your career, follow your passion. Follow your passion with intense dedication and commitment, and don't worry about the outcome. Think about all the people’s lives you have had an impact on and touched, and take a moment to look back at your life and say, “ I made the right decision, and I have no regrets about the path I have chosen.”

Share your favorite memory of your time with BAE — tell us a story that captures its meaning to you.

I remember this time when the music program got suspended for a few weeks because of a problem here at school. All of us were really sad because I knew that everyone valued the choir a lot. It was like snatching a candy from a little kid. I felt like our happiness and a part of us was taken away. I was used to the morning /evening choir routines a lot, and this sudden stop hurt a lot. And then one day, I completely lost it. I was doing badly in school for some time now, and then I fought with my friend. Then I was looking at my life and my future, and felt like I was a loser and that my life was the worst anyone could live. I guess everyone has one of these moments in their life. Unexpectedly, that evening we were called to the music room, and Ms. Brittany told us that we could have choir back. At that moment, all my problems seemed to fade, and I didn't know how to deal with such immense happiness, so I just began to smile to myself. I looked at everyone else around me, and I could just feel the happiness radiating from every single person. That evening, I knew I couldn't study(a bad thing, but I guess it's ok sometimes), and all of us were just talking about choir and music. This memory made me realize how important music is to my life and everyone else's. Music was a privilege, and that moment made me realize the tremendous value of it.